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There's still time to help United Way

Special to the Courier

POSTED:November 23, 2009 8:47 a.m.

SAVANNAH — So far in the 2009 campaign, the United Way of the Coastal Empire has raised $4,965,265, 61 percent of the $8.2 million goal. With only days left until the nonprofit announces the final results, the United Way is appealing for last-minute donations.“Early on, we realized that this year presented tremendous challenges,” said United Way Campaign Chairman Jeff Kole. “And yet at the same time, the need is so great. We have people asking for help who have never been in that situation before.”Across the board, United Way funded programs have experienced increased needs. America’s Second Harvest Food Bank, for example, saw a 26 percent increase in food distributed this year over the same time period last year. The agencies they serve are reporting a 100 percent increase in people coming to pantries. At the Women’s Center of Wesley Community Centers, there has been a 25 percent increase in the number of people seeking assistance each month compared to two years ago. And last month, United Way’s 2-1-1 help line received a record 1,700 calls.United Way of the Coastal Empire helps fund more than 100 community programs and services in Liberty, Bryan, Chatham and Effingham counties. In order to continue the efforts, the nonprofit needs every citizen to help.“Our volunteers and staff are working extremely hard and doing everything in our power to reach the goal,” said Gregg Schroeder, president of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “The motivating force is the need that is right here in our community. We are committed to seeing the campaign through to a successful end.”Tax deductible contributions can be mailed to the United Way of the Coastal Empire at P.O. Box 2946, Savannah, GA 31401 or go to www.uwce.org.